AT&T Expands 4G LTE Network Ahead of iPhone 5 Release Date

Just a few short days before the iPhone 5 release date of September 21st, AT&T fired up its high-speed 4G LTE network in two new markets, two new markets that now have reason to look into the iPhone 5.

The carrier announced today that it added two huge 4G LTE markets in Memphis, Tennessee and Birmingham, Alabama. Folks who live in those areas could not be any luckier as the iPhone 5, which will be coming with 4G LTE support, launches this Friday, September 21st.

AT&T still has less than 100 4G LTE markets here in the United States while Verizon boasts over 300.

In any event, this means that those in Memphis and Birmingham will be able to take full advantage of the iPhone 5 when it arrives later on this week. The fact that it can connect to AT&T’s 4G LTE network means that users will be able to pull down data speeds up to 10 times faster than those found on normal 3G networks.

This feature is perfect for those that want to stream content or browse web while on the go.

However, those in Memphis and Birmingham may have some trouble getting the iPhone 5 on launch day, even if they pre-ordered. That’s because AT&T is currently on back order and won’t be shipping out iPhone 5 orders placed today until October.

That means that the best bet is to now head down to one of several retail outlets including Apple Stores, carrier retailer stores, Best Buy, Radio Shack and more to try and get a hold of an iPhone 5 on release day.

There’s no guarantee that those who line up will get an iPhone 5 however as stock at these stores generally runs out quite quickly.

As for pre-orders, AT&T has been telling some people that orders placed last Friday that were originally said to be coming on September 21st may not arrive for weeks.

The iPhone 5 is Apple’s newest iPhone and it features a larger 4-inch display, 4G LTE data speeds, a new design made of glass and aluminum and iOS 6. Apple sold two million iPhone 5 pre-orders already.